Emergency Preparedness

This page is specifically designed to provide you with a few of the most important things that you may do to prepare for emergencies. Please also familiarize yourself with the resources available throughout this site.

1. Sign up for AppState-ALERT voice and text alerts. In addition to campus outdoor warning siren system and campus email, App State will send emergency alerts as a voice and text message to your cell phone. You must register to receive voice and text alerts.
2. Study the University's emergency terminology. During emergency situations, the University's condition may change - which results in a larger response. The University and/or emergency officials may also ask you to seek safe shelter, shelter in-place, evacuate, or lockdown in your building. Faculty need to understand what each of these terms mean and prepare to assist others during an emergency.
3. Study and learn your surroundings. Take a look around your residence hall or apartment, the library, and the buildings where you have classes. Make a mental note of the exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices. Also note areas within the building that provide protection.
4. Plan ahead and ask questions. If this web site does not provide the answers you need, feel free to ask us!
5. Discuss emergencies on campus with your family and friends. If an emergency occurs on App State's campus, the media will quickly spread the message and it will not take long for your family and friends to start calling. Making plans now to communicate with your family and friends in an emergency is essential because cellular communications may not be available. Resources like the American Red Cross' Safe and Well List provide a resource for your family and friends.
6. Stay aware and report suspicious behavior. Preventing a violent act on campus could begin with you when you report suspicious behavior. Since 2007, the University has developed a number of resources to assess risks. You may report suspicious behavior to the University's Early Intervention Team, Counseling Center, Counseling for Faculty and Staff, Dean of Students, or Appalachian Police. Report all emergencies immediately to the Appalachian Police Department by calling 8000.
7. Learn more through training. Several departments on campus offer safety and security training. Vist the 'Training and Exercises' page for more information.
8. Learn about other personal safety programs on the App State campus. The Appalachian Police Department (APD) is responsible for protecting life and property on campus 24/7. Officers patrol by car, by foot, and by bike and have complete authority to apprehend and arrest anyone who violates North Carolina State Law on campus. They provide many services including:
   • Bicycle Registration - all bicycle riders are encouraged to register their bicycles as a deterrent to crime and to promote safety.
   • Blue Light Emergency Phones - there are over 65 Emergency Blue Light Telephones located across the campus. These phones only require one button to be pushed and the call will ring directly to University Police and automatically identify the caller's location so assistance can be sent quickly.
   • Mountaineer Safe Walk – The Appalachian Police Department operates a campus escort service, Mountaineer Safe Walk, to provide a safety escort service for students during the evening hours who may feel uncomfortable walking alone after dark. Students who need a safety escort to or from any campus owned building or parking lot can call 828-262-7433 seven days per week, excluding university holidays and both summer sessions.

1. Immediately take action. Respond immediately to voice and text alerts, sirens, and/or an incident in the area where you are. Planning ahead and thinking about your response is the only way to prepare.
2. Try to remain calm. Positive, calm response (emotionally and physically) will help others respond more effectively. If you practice your plan in advance and write it down, you will be more confident and capable of helping others.
3. Try to call out for assistance. Although cellular communications may not be available during an emergency, you should attempt to call APD (262-8000) during an emergency. Call for assistance or to share pertinent information that will assist public safety officials. Try to remain calm and be patient during an emergency if phone lines are unavailable.
4. Follow emergency officials' or the University's emergency recommendation and report changes in your situation. Emergency officials and/or the University will ask all faculty, staff, and students to take specific actions in response to an emergency. They will share those messages via campus e-mail and the AppState-ALERT voice and text notification system. Follow those directions and report significant changes in the situation to APD.
5. Visit www.appstatealert.com for updated emergency messages. Because of the numerous phone calls for assistance during an emergency, the University may not be able to provide answers to general inquiries, however, the University will update www.appstatealert.com with emergency messages. Attempt to gain access to a computer for updates and information rather than calling.

Thank you for taking an active interest in App State's safety and security. Please browse this entire site to learn more about App State's emergency plans. You are always welcome to contact us with questions, comments, and ideas.